Gulf Coast Academy could have had its charter revoked if it didn't sign a contract by noon Friday.

Gulf Coast Academy, a Hernando County charter school, signed a contract with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office on Friday to employee a full-time school resource deputy. The School Board had threatened to close the school if it didn't take action. [Times (2018)]

A Hernando County charter school that left the school district out of compliance with state school security law agreed to hire a full-time school resource officer Friday under threat of closure.

Earlier this week, the School Board gave Superintendent John Stratton approval to revoke Gulf Coast Academy's charter if it didn't sign a contract with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office by noon Friday. School Board attorney Dennis Alfonso said the school district received a finalized contract shortly before that deadline.

The school had previously had a rotation of off-duty deputies, which didn't satisfy state law and left the district in hot water with the state. Friday's contract should put everyone at ease, Alfonso said.

"Everybody's in good grace," he said.

Hiring a resource deputy will cost the school about $75,000 annually, according to the contract.